Dubai Cuisine: 26 Exotic Dishes To Try In 2020 That Serve As The Gate Pass To Heaven

Planning a trip to Dubai and wondering what is on the platter for you? Well, worry not! With a combination of Iranian, Lebanese and Arabic food, the Dubai cuisine will only leave you craving for more. Head to the streets or restaurants, you are surely in for a delightful experience. Whether a foodie or not, you just can’t ignore the luscious flavors that Dubai food has in store for you. The titillating aroma of the piquant delicacies in Dubai will give you a foodgasm for sure. From vegetarians to non-vegetarians, Dubai has something for every foodie. And the list is so long that you will be left spoilt for choice. Some dishes will even make you feel home-like as they represent the tradition of their culture. Take a look at all the gastronomical delights that will make your stomach growl with hunger.

Dubai Cuisine: 26 Best Dubai Foods To Try In 2020

We’ve shortlisted best Dubai dishes all foodie will fall in love with. From vegetarian cuisines to non-vegetarian delicacies, there is something for all kinds of travelers. These Dubai cuisines will also take you on a cultural tour of the country as some of them are traditional and made from home-grown ingredients. Take a look at the delicious food to try in Dubai on your vacation!

Manousheh – Pizza Of Dubai

Iranian Sangak – One Of The Most Popular Dishes

Chelo Kebab – A Heavenly Taste

Al Harees – Taste The Tradition

Al Machboos – Surprisingly Delicious

Mandi – A Rendezvous With Tradition

Oozie – Ramadan Special

Tabbouleh – For Those Who Are Health Conscious

Kousa Mahshi – Taste The Classic Spices

Shirin Polo – For An Authentic Dining Experience

Baba Ganoush – An Epic Starter

Fatteh – All Things Good In One

Kellaj – A Cheesy Delight

Falafel – Prepared With Love

Fattoush – Healthy And Yummy

Madrouba – Healthy Food

Shish Tawook – Have It Like The Locals

Lahem Bl Ajin – The Arab Pizza

Taboon Bread – Not Just A Bread

Shawarma – The Popular Street Food Item

Samboosa – The Dish With A Twist

Oman Chips Roll – Childhood Favorite

Mahalabiya – Can’t Afford To Miss

Luqaimat – You Can’t Have Just One

Knafeh – Cheese Pastry Redefined

Khanfaroosh – For Teatime

Non-Vegetarian Dubai Cuisine

All meat lovers, rejoice! The taste and the aroma of the food will keep you coming back whether you want to eat arabic food in Dubai or looking for inexpensive street food hub. If you plan your trip according to your meal plan just like us, you will fall in love with this list. Check out what do they eat in Dubai here.

1. Manousheh – Pizza Of Dubai

Manousheh, the local pizza, is an apt choice for the piquant taste buds, especially if you are looking for Dubai specialties. It proves to be a perfect pick for a luscious breakfast. Stretched dough or flatbread, filled with exotic toppings like salty Akkawi cheese, earthy zaatar herbs, and olive oil. It is touted as the go-to dish for the best street food in Dubai. Make sure you hog on these with sweet jam and minced lamb. It is popular with both tourists and locals.

2. Iranian Sangak – One Of The Most Popular Dishes

Hello bread lovers! Iranian Sangak is a delight that easily paves its way into the list of the best Dubai cuisine. This Iranian leavened flatbread made out of whole wheat is served plain or rectangular in shape. It is the famous food of Dubai which you must try! The bread can also be made gluten-free from scratch. It is the go-to food item for health freaks and foodies.

3. Chelo Kebab – A Heavenly Taste

For best food in Dubai, head to Chelo Kebab. Aromatic saffron-scented basmati rice served with a pat of butter on kebabs – Chelo Kebab is another name in the list of mouthwatering Dubai famous foods. You must try this scrumptious non-vegetarian Dubai dishes. It is said to be out of the world and exceptionally tasty.

4. Al Harees – Taste The Tradition

Wheat, meat, and a pinch of salt, when combined with some hours of baking, produce this really wonderful dish that will leave you craving for a second helping. Mostly savored during Ramadan, Eid and weddings, Al Harees is one of the most popular Dubai traditional food. You’ll be amazed at how warm and hospitable the Dubai locals are when you ask them where would you find the best Al Harees. It is easily one of the best dishes from Dubai cuisine.

Must try: With samen(butter) and powdered cinnamon; serve it with sugar for the ones with sweet toothPrice Range: INR 800 onwards

5. Al Machboos – Surprisingly Delicious

Simply cooked, this is considered as the famous food in Dubai. Rice, onions, and meat, seasoned with spices, salt, and dried lemon, does this excite you as much as it excites me? This dish has been listed in the list of famous food in Dubai, due to the zesty flavors. Make sure to try their salad and raita. It is supposed to be heavenly. You’ll be surprised at how good this food tastes, considering it looks very plain and unsophisticated.

Must try: With salad and yogurt raita; to enjoy it the authentic way, serve it on a large platter and allow everyone to eat from the same with their right handsPrice Range: INR 500 onwards

6. Mandi – A Rendezvous With Tradition

Thinking about what to eat in Dubai? Try Mandi which is a popular dish in Dubai. The dish consists of rice and meat mixed with spices giving it a very nice taste that will definitely treat your tastebuds. The dish has a long process wherein the meat or chicken is cooked for long hours and served with rice. The dish is usually found in old city and is a traditional food in Dubai.

7. Oozie – Ramadan Special

Oozie is one of the popular foods in Dubai that you will usually see in weddings and ramadan. It is a special dish and is cooked with rice. It is either served with chicken or filled into pockets and offered. You can try having it with yoghurt or nuts for a soul-soothing experience. If you are visiting the country during the time of Ramadan, this is the best food to try in Dubai.

Vegetarian Dubai Cuisine

Unlike several foreign countries, Dubai is vegetarian-friendly. The country is a delight for vegetarians as a large number of the most popular Dubai cuisine are vegetarian in nature. Take a look at the best dishes!

8. Tabbouleh – For Those Who Are Health Conscious

Delicious, irrespective of how you spell it. Tabbouleh is a salad, made from tomatoes, green onions and cucumber and is seasoned with fresh mint and lemon juice. Needless to say, it is the best food in Dubai for foodies who are looking for healthier options. The health freaks will be spoilt for choice. Having said that, these salads are renowned all over Dubai.

Must try: Flavored with Blueberry and Corn, the stuffed grape leaves version is also worth tryingPrice Range: INR 500 onwards

9. Kousa Mahshi – Taste The Classic Spices

Kousa Mahshi is a classic from the list of best foods in Dubai. Eaten as a main course, it is courgettes or zucchini stuffed with rice. Its lip-smacking taste has also helped it in making to the list of ‘Dubai special food’. This dish has received rave reviews. One of the diners has been quoted as saying that this item is the best in the world. Go ahead and decide for yourself! This is a must try food in Dubai.

10. Shirin Polo – For An Authentic Dining Experience

Thick, crispy tahdig crust and the wonderful sweet garnishes are responsible for the popularity of this dish. Shirin Polo consists of basmati rice with carrots, currants, raisins, chicken, and nuts. If you are looking for Dubai’s specialty in vegetarian, this is a must-try! We assure you that you’ll be exceptionally happy with your dining experience. It is one of the important dishes in the Dubai cuisine.

11. Baba Ganoush – An Epic Starter

A delicious dip made of smoked eggplant mixed with onions, tomatoes, and olive oil. This Levantine dish is a great appetizer and has easily crawled into the list of the best food in Dubai. Your gut will thank you after eating delicious food. If you can’t find this food item easily, the locals are more than willing to help you with the directions to a place that has this dish on their menu. Don’t miss out on to taste this Dubai special food while holidaying here on your next vacation!

Must try: Munch on with veggies and sliced breadPrice Range: Check once in Dubai

12. Fatteh – All Things Good In One

Perfect for an early evening meal, Fatteh consists of three layers. Bread soaked in stock forms the foundation, in the middle, we have chickpeas, stuffed aubergines, and finally, there is yogurt and tahini-sauce topping. Treat your taste-buds with this best food in Dubai! You can pair it with paprika and pine nuts. You can find this one in some of the best restaurants of U.A.E.

13. Kellaj – A Cheesy Delight

a must try food in Dubai, Kellaj is a bread filled with halloumi cheese and grilled charcoal. This dish is a perfect pick for quenching the small hunger monster bombarding your stomachs. This is one of the best Dubai foods that will satiate your evening hunger! Kellaj has stayed a top-rated dish in Dubai for some years now.

Must try: With powdered sugar and serve hotPrice Range: Check once in Dubai

14. Falafel – Prepared With Love

Falafel, a deep-fried ball or patty made out of ground chickpeas or fava beans, is a delight to eat. This is one of the best amongst Dubai famous food that people love to relish. You can pair it with any bread to have an exceptional dining experience. Make sure to ask the waiter what does the Falafel comprise of because every restaurant cooks it differently. There may be something in the dish that you’re allergic to, so don’t take your chances and enquire with the waiter first. This one’s a must-try Dubai food.

Must try: Couple it with baba genus or hummus and pitaPrice Range: INR 200 onwards

15. Fattoush – Healthy And Yummy

Fattoush is a delight to all the fitness and health freaks giving them a perfect flavor without gaining those extra pounds. It is a Levantine bread salad made using toasted or fried pieces of pita bread. Listed among Dubai’s famous foods, this is something that will add to your taste and health. You’ll be amazed at how delicious this toasted dish is! This is amongst the most delicious Dubai famous dish for Asians.

Must try: Complement it with mixed greens with a tangy lemon dressingPrice Range: INR 1000 onwards

16. Madrouba – Healthy Food

Just like we have khichdi, they have Madrouba there. Though the process of cooking it is entirely different. One of the best foods in Dubai, it is both a vegetarian and a non-vegetarian dish. It is served with either meat or chicken and cooked with various ingredients like onion, tomatoes, garlic, and more. It can be digested very easily and you can find it easily too.

Street Food In Dubai

Dubai’s street food has taken the world by storm. More and more people are opening up to street food all over the world. When wondering what to eat in Dubai, you should always choose the street food. We’ve shortlisted a few food items that will make the street food aficionado inside you very happy:

17. Shish Tawook – Have It Like The Locals

Shish Tawook has made it to the menu of almost every restaurant in Dubai. Served as a traditional kebab, Shish Tawook tastes better when served sandwiched in bread. You can find this dish served in many other parts of the world, including India and Pakistan, among others. You can pair it with pickles and fries. This is one of the most popular Dubai traditional food.

18. Lahem Bl Ajin – The Arab Pizza

The second thing that comes to our mind when we think street food is Lahem Bl Ajin. It is the best in town. Better referred to as the Arab Pizza, Lahem Bl Ajin is amazing Lebanese flatbread pies with spicy ground meat toppings. People, who have an inclination for spicy food, regard this dish as one of the best foods in Dubai.

19. Taboon Bread – Not Just A Bread

A very famous old Palestinian bread, Taboon Bread is extra delicious when served with olive oil and thyme and is perfect for those who want to try traditional Dubai food. It is sold as street food stuffed with hummus and falafel. Street food vendors will rarely share the recipe of this soft bread with you, lest you ask for it. But, many food blogs online have the recipe of this bread, in case you ever plan to make it at home. When looking for the best local food in Dubai, Taboon bread will satisfy you!

20. Shawarma – The Popular Street Food Item

Wondering what to eat in Dubai? Who doesn’t like a delicious plate of Shawarma? In this list of Dubai famous food, Shawarma is one of the dishes which is popular all over the world. If you are in Dubai and are thinking about exploring street food scenes here then you should visit the famous Shawarma outlets like Shawarma Twist, Ikea Bistro, Al Mallah, and Doors Freestyle Grill. So, go try the local flavors of Dubai at these spots.

21. Samboosa – The Dish With A Twist

Dubai food scene is also inspired by food from other countries and that you can easily see while you are exploring the street food outlets. One of the most famous Indian dishes, Samosa is served in Dubai with a twist of meat, vegetables, and fish. Samboosa is stuffed with exotic spices and all kinds of meat and vegetables. So, forget the potato stuffed samosa and try the Samboosa served in this city with unique fillings!

22. Oman Chips Roll – Childhood Favorite

Oman Chips roll is a famous food in Dubai that has been there since everyone’s childhood in Dubai. Everyone from a kid to an adult loves Oman chips. They are tasty, spicy chips that you can find anywhere. The roll consists of beaten chips with cheese spread folded into a roll shape. So, next time when you visit the country, make sure you add this Dubai cuisine to your list.

Desserts In Dubai

Is your meal incomplete without dessert? Ours too. There are a lot of things to eat in Dubai when it comes to treating yourself with something sweet! We have shortlisted a few dessert items famous in not only Dubai but around the world. They will blow your mind. What’s your poison for tonight?

23. Mahalabiya – Can’t Afford To Miss

Are you still looking for the best food to eat in Dubai? This is a constant favorite among the people with a sweet tooth. It is a rich pudding sprinkled with rosewater and pistachios. It is usually served cold. Heating it will change the taste of the dish exponentially and it will lose its rich flavors. Don’t ask the waiter to heat this dish. Every waiter will tell you the exact same thing.

24. Luqaimat – You Can’t Have Just One

The most popular dessert during the month of Ramadan, Luqaimat are small deep-fried dumplings made out of butter, milk, sugar, flour, saffron, and cardamom. The more you eat, the more you fall in love with them. If you ask any local which is the most popular Dubai local cuisine, they will suggest you this sweet dish. We bet that you’ll keep revisiting Dubai for this dish.

25. Knafeh – Cheese Pastry Redefined

Popularly known as the queen of Arabic desserts, Knafeh is a sticky pastry made of gooey sweet cheese. With the essence of rose-scented syrup and chopped pistachios sprinkled, it’s a traditional food of Dubai and a popular favorite when we talk about special foods of the city. Knafeh is not only one of the best cuisine of Dubai but it is also famous in other Middle Eastern places.

26. Khanfaroosh – For Teatime

If you’re searching for the best dessert in Dubai, your search ceases here. You will find this sweet treat in every nook and corner of the city and it is one of the best served Dubai cuisine. Khanfaroosh is a complete wonder made out of flour, egg, sugar, yeast, cardamom, saffron, and rose water. It is usually served with tea and coffee cake. When looking for deserts and can’t decide what to eat in Dubai, then this is the one you should try. Share it with your significant other to add sweetness to your life.

Are you already drooling? Well, don’t wait and plan your trip to Dubai soon and dine on Dubai cuisine. You’ll be amazed at the standard of hospitality and professionalism the restaurants in Dubai exude. Make sure to tip them well after you’ve dined. Happy eating!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dubai Cuisine

Q. What is Dubai’s National Food?

A. While meat, fish, and rice are the Dubai national foods, Al Machboos and Khuzi are the traditional cuisines of the country.

Q. Is Dubai food Cheap?

A. Dubai offers both cheap and expensive cuisines and it depends on your choice of restaurants. However, you can easily find cheap meals in Dubai.

Q. What type of food is eaten in Dubai?

A. The Emirati cuisine includes fish, rice and meat as a staple food. Among this lamb and mutton are mostly flavored meats, instead of goat and beef.

Q. Can you eat pork in Dubai?

A. Yes, you can eat pork in Dubai. It is prohibited in Sharjah.

Q. What is a typical breakfast in Dubai?

A. A typical breakfast in Dubai includes baith tamat which is a delicious combination of scrambled eggs with tomatoes, herbs and luxurious saffron. Other essentials are balaleet, khameer and chebab which is served with a side of date syrup.

Q. Which are the famous restaurants in Dubai?

A. Some of the best restaurants in Dubai are listed below!1. Al Dawaar Revolving Restaurant2. The Talk Restaurant3. Maiden Shanghai

Q. Which is the best food to try in Dubai during Ramadan?

A. Oozie is one of the best dishes to try in Dubai during the month of Ramadan.

Q. Which is a traditional food of Dubai?

A. Madrouba is one of the traditional foods of Dubai that you must try while you are holidaying there.